Blood Clotting
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 9.4.5
Blood Clotting
When a wound is created, blood clots at the site of the wound to reduce blood loss and prevent harmful pathogens from getting into the body through the blood. Damage to blood vessels triggers these processes:
Platelets
- Platelets in the blood form a clump around the damaged part of the blood vessel.
Fibrin
- A soluble (dissolved) substance in the blood called fibrinogen is converted into an insoluble substance called fibrin.
- The fibrin forms a mesh net around the platelet clump, which red blood cells also become trapped in, forming a clot.
Test yourself on Blood Clotting
Why does blood clot?
Blood Clotting
Which component of blood forms a clump around damaged blood vessels in the first step of blood clotting?
What molecule forms a mesh net around platelet clumps during blood clotting?